You may also want to practice without your kids lest they get tired of being targeted for trial runs...

Oops, I think I may have already crossed this rubicon

One exercise could be to stage a shot, so you position the camera (facing a window - not!) and get all your camera parameters in order before your subject crosses (goes for a glass of water to the kitchen or something) and can get the shot. Some interiors are so dark the only way to get the shot will be with a flash or several flashes (hint: not the one on your camera).

Good idea, I'll just keep emptying my wife's water bottle so she's forced to go refill it in the kitchen